HOSPITALITY / RESTAURANTS / BARS WHERE TO GOIN BERLIN WWW.WHERETOGOINBERLIN.COM CLUBS / EVENTS / SHOPPING / CULTURE My Berlin One of the leading European locations for tech-driven, innovative industries Berlin is a city that – especially thanks to IFA - brings technology together with culture, arts and tourism. Cornelia Yzer – Berlin Senator for Economics and Research embodies this spirit, outlining for us here the image the city wishes to convey on the international scene today. 25 years after the fall of the Wall, Berlin is the place to be. This is the image we are spreading and trust us – we know, it is true. In addition to being the Capital, Berlin with its mental and visible openness invites all kind of people and ideas. And they are here to stay: More new companies and start-ups are launched in Berlin than in any other German state, particularly in the digital economy. Products and fashion designed in Berlin are in demand all over the world. The capital is also making a name for itself as one of the leading European locations for tech-driven, innovative industries and as an outstanding region for science and research. It is not only the close collaboration between business and research that creates value, but also the excellent support and education provided to up-and-coming talent at Berlin’s universities, applied research institutions and companies. To turn an old slogan around: Berlin is not poor anymore but rich in brains and still sexy! With the 25-year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, many memories are brought to life. What are your personal thoughts and feelings concerning this celebration? November 9 1989 was a gift that history rarely gives. I feel personally blessed, having experienced how the peaceful, but yet very brave revolution of the people in East Germany turned over a brutal regime with a cruel, deadly frontier, cutting through a city. I will never forget the television pictures of that night, when people beaming with joy and amazement, overcame that Cornelia Yzer Berlin Senator for Economics and Research wall and the people of Berlin West and Berlin East fell into each others arms. On the 25th anniversary with the illumination of thousands of rising balloons following the now invisible line of the wall, we want to celebrate with the whole world those unforgettable moments. And already we have record numbers of Berlin visitors who want to share that anniversary with us. What do you recommend to visitors in town for IFA who don’t know Berlin very well? Must-sees are surely the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the beautiful Gendarmenmarkt, the shopping boulevard Kurfürstendamm or the East Side Gallery, with its colourful Berlin Wall. However, I would personally recommend exploring the city also off the beaten track, discovering designer stores and galleries and experiencing for example how Berliners enjoy the green oasis Tiergarten. And in the evening don’t miss one of the many star-rewarded restaurants or the famous clubs. Berlin offers fascinating things for everybody; visitors have some 1,500 events to choose from every day. If you are here for business or pleasure, Berlin simply is the place to be. Enjoy! Berlin offers fascinating things for everybody; visitors have some 1,500 events to choose from every day www.ifa-international.org IFAInternational • Monday 8 th September 2014 45